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UNI Global Union (UNI) and its South African affiliate SACCAWU say that it has taken great courage for non-unionised US Walmart workers to take strike action today, risking their jobs and livelihoods. Walmart’s total disregard for labour rights in its home country of the United States underlines the necessity of ensuring that it is compelled by law and organised unions to act responsibly in South Africa.

Walmart workers in the United States have pledged to take widespread strike action today “Black Friday” - the day after Thanksgiving. This is traditionally the start of the Christmas shopping season in the US and a high priority for Walmart’s management seeking to maximise profits at the expense of workers’ rights. US Walmart workers who have dared to raise labour issues have been subject to unlawful firings, threats and intimidation, and reduced hours.

UNI is urging its affiliates around the world, including South Africa, to demonstrate support. UNI General Secretary, Philip Jennings, said, “The strike in the United States is a warning to Walmart everywhere: grow your business by working with unions. UNI is now on global alert as Walmart has threatened consequences for those taking action. The South Africa Courts and Government are watching them closely too. Walmart is under scrutiny in the US – the workers have said enough is enough. South Africa take note – give Walmart an inch and it will take a mile.”

Bones Skulu, the General Secretary of SACCAWU said, “We pay tribute to the US Walmart workers, our comrades, who have found the strength to stand up for their rights against the greed of the Walmart management. What we are seeing in the US is further vindication, if any were needed, that we were right to use the full force of the law here in South Africa to fightback against the Walmartization of our economy. The terrible conditions the US Walmart employees are working under is proof that only legal and regulatory requirements coupled with organised union strength can prevent Walmart from running roughshod over both workers and the local economy. Here in South Africa we are challenging Walmart to abide by the Appeal Court handed down last month.”

The South Africa Appeal Court ordered Walmart to double the supplier development fund to R240 million for its acquisition of Massmart, is an indictment of Walmart’s destructive unsustainable business model. The Court underlined the need to keep Walmart under close scrutiny by appointing an advisory board to oversee the administration of the fund. The board will include UNI affiliate SACCAWU, the government and the South Africa Small and Medium Enterprise Forum.